Ontario College of Teachers asked to review professional conduct standards after teacher wears large prosthetic breasts in classroom
Ontario’s education minister said he has asked the Ontario College of Teachers to review professional conduct provisions after images circulated online showing a teacher wearing large prosthetic breasts in a classroom.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Stephen Lecce said while the province celebrates differences, it also believes “there must be the highest standards of professionalism in front of our kids.”
“On that basis I’ve asked the Ontario College of Teachers to review and to consider strengthening those provisions with respect to professional conduct, which we think would be in the interest of all kids in Ontario.”
Curtis Ennis, Halton District School Board’s (HDSB) director of education, told CTV News Toronto that the board of trustees passed a motion on Sept. 21 requesting a complete a report “addressing various considerations regarding dress codes” before the end of November.
Little context has been provided for the photos by either the province or the HDSB, who says they can’t speak about them as they're a “personnel matter.”
Images of the employee, reportedly from Oakville Trafalgar High School, have been shared widely on social media over the past few weeks.
In the photos, the individual is wearing large prosthetic breasts, which are covered by clothing, while standing with students.
At least one protest organized by Maxime Bernier, the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, was scheduled over the weekend. The politician said they were protesting against the “hyper-sexualized and grotesque costume” while demanding “action.”
Ennis said that the HDSB is committed to the privacy and confidentiality of its employees and therefore cannot publicly discuss the matter.
“The Halton District School Board continues to handle this matter in a way that stays true to our values and commitment to Human Rights, respects the privacy and dignity of our students and staff, and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority,” Ennis said.
Heather Francey, HDSB’s manager of communication and engagement, told CTV News Toronto the board is committed to maintaining a “safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and welcoming” learning and working environment.
“The HDSB recognizes the rights of students, staff, parents/guardians and community members to equitable treatment without discrimination based upon gender identity and gender expression,” Francey said.
The Ontario College of Teachers is an entity that licenses, governs and regulates the teaching profession. According to its website, they have the ability to issue, suspend and revoke teaching certificates, set ethical standards of practice, and investigate complaints about members.
Witih files from Hannah Alberga
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'